re: Georgia still recruiting too many bad kids

quote:

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Problem is some athletes generally don't have the responsibility of studying like real students. So they can party like their hair's on fire. Then they go home and beat whoever's there. Athens is a victim of it's own success.

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That's pretty damn inaccurate. Some guys may not take it as seriously as others, but that's true for most of the college population. They're required to study and pass their classes (unlike UNC, UGA doesn't frick around with athletes and academics. You pass on your own or your don't play. Period.). And given their schedules day-to-day, I highly doubt they have any time to be partying any more than someone else. The problem is, these are either very sheltered (as in, from very small areas) and/or very competitive individuals that have access to an incredible college scene. The vast majority handle that access responsibly. Where you have problems are the guys who get done with their jam-packed day or week of class and practice and immediately take it out on the nearest bottle. Each guy has his own reasons for why he thinks that's acceptable, but they're often self-destructive or a coping mechanism. Playing college football at any major program is not the ultra-luxurious, comfortable life we fantasize it to be. For an 18 year old that was expecting that fantasy, it can be jarring and disconcerting. They can feel lied too or feel that they're not doing it right so they need to overcompensate at the bar or club.

All in all, it's unfair to judge a team of 85 or all college players at large in a vacuum. Each one brings their own demons and strengths to the table and each one has to figure out how to deal. Richt knows that. Every college coach and administrator on every campus in America does. It's a farce to put the issues of all college athletes on one coach and one program and then call them ignorant to the fact these kids have issues in the first place.